Yoga And Injuries

Bob Crowther, a yoga student, instructor in his 60's, responds to critical comments about yoga in a book recently published and offers some thoughts, perspectives about yoga injuries based on his own experiences.

Bob in The Yoga Loft
Deep Leg, Back, Shoulder Stretch
Black Pads Protect His Knees From Injury

All physical activities have risks associated with them.

The 2012 publication, "THE SCIENCE OF YOGA, the Risks and the Rewards" written by William J. Broad, included chapter IV entitled "Risk Of Injury".

The author's presentation shed light on an aspect of yoga not widely known and generated discussion in the print and digital media about the increasing number of injuries attributed to yoga documented by the medical establishment. 

What Broad has described about yoga injuries does not reflect what my yoga community has experienced.

I acknowledge that yoga in its various forms is not immune from injuries.

In my opinion qualifications and additional clarifications are warranted when evaluating Broad's statements on this subject.  

The Yoga I Practice

My responses to inquiries from a diverse group of individuals about the safety of yoga often involves:

• a discussion about the type of yoga being done
• the instruction being provided, the environment  
• the psychology/abilities of the individual student; from a novice possibly attending their first class to a more advanced practitioner of many years 

The hatha yoga i practice is based on the Iyengar method. 

This physically active approach to yoga is sensitive to positioning - moving the body in a safe and gentle manner that may use various props: blankets, blocks, chairs, straps - and holding asanas for some durations with controlled breathing 

Partner assisted poses are also done deliberately and with care.

Aside from teaching open classes at a local gym facility, my talented instructor Ray Hoyt has established a private studio (note wall ladders, wall ropes available for use in the image below).

At both locations, his words and actions have made it clear that safety is a high priority during each, every session.

The Yoga Loft
 An Oasis For Our Yoga Community
Safely Doing Yoga With A Compassionate Instructor

Our quality of instruction has been excellent: we are frequently reminded to be compassionate to oneself and to recognize limitations as acceptable and unimportant. 

Instruction for every asana is accompanied by considering the student - caution is advised when engaging in all movements - with an open recognition that serious injury is possible. 

Everyone is told they are not in competition with others in class, not on display and no one is ever forced to do any posture beyond their comfort level.

All are encouraged to slowly enter a position and to come out of a pose if any discomfort is experienced.

Focusing on ones breathing is a common mantra.

As a consequence of this approach and suspension of ego, our yoga community has remained relatively fit and injury free.  

These attitudes have informed my yoga practice and the instruction of my own clients.

Contact

Bob Crowther

bob@bobcrowther.com

774-272-5760

Bob's years of yoga experiences have led to an understanding: recognizing the importance of listening to his body - being aware of limits and not exceeding capabilities - information Bob values and shares with others. 

Client assessments done by Bob are designed to reveal the health symptoms, past and present, that might be contributing to restricted mobility and pain.

No yoga, other physical activities are done before an evaluation occurs. 

Bob encourages clients to consult with their doctors to discuss their health status - this facilitates Bob's efforts to provide customized instruction, coaching to focus on their needs and expressed goals.

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